Three years ago today, we lost one of music’s most unforgettable voices, Sinéad O’Connor (December 8, 1966 – July 26, 2023). And three years later, this song, its video, her face, her eyes, and the raw emotion in her voice still bring me to tears.
It’s not only about losing such a remarkable human with a big heart and a fearless voice. For me, it also speaks to our shared humanity and the human condition. It hurts to know that so many people face injustice and hate just about every single day of their lives. Why are some humans given such hard lives, while others glide through with privilege?
Sinéad’s voice carried pain, compassion, vulnerability, and truth in a way that few artists ever could. That is why her music, and specifically her rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” continues to be so affecting.
Beyond her music, Sinéad was fearless, compassionate, and unapologetically authentic. She challenged the status quo with a heart full of empathy and compassion; she spoke her truth and spoke up for the marginalized, and left a legacy that extends far beyond her recordings.
So this morning, I blasted “Nothing Compares 2 U” on repeat, along with songs like “Mandinka” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” while deep-cleaning my couch. I cried my eyes out. And honestly, it felt so good. Cathartic.
But why was I crying? Sure, music can do that, but I legit came off of such a great weekend filled with my little family unit, friends, love, and laughter.
Sometimes we all need a really good f*cking cry, even when everything seems okay. I guess grief, emotion, and healing don’t always follow a schedule. Sometimes a song unlocks something you’ve been carrying without even realizing it; or maybe you’ve been burying it. Either way, you gotta get it out.
And sometimes it’s simply hormones (don’t even get me started on that new phase of my life).
Or all of the above.
Though “Nothing Compares 2 U” was written by Prince and first recorded by his proteges, the 1980s Paisley Park Records spin-off band, The Family, it was Sinéad’s breathtaking 1990 rendition that transformed it into one of the most iconic songs of all time.
A song of a generation, her haunting performance and unforgettable music video make the hairs on my arms stand up. This beloved song turned into a global classic that continues to move listeners decades later. That alone, that global effect, lets me know that there are good humans out there. Those who go beyond the beautiful vocals and melody and feel the deep meaning of this song and how it applies today.
You get goosebumps from a song? Do your eyes well up like a toilet bowl about to overflow? You’re my kind of people.
With war and genocide, a president found liable for sexual abuse who has also faced numerous other serious allegations, inflation and the rising cost of living affecting families and individuals, layoffs — AI slaughtering creativity, art, truth, and eliminating jobs — and just plain rotten people (especially those who support vile dictators), it’s easy to lose faith in humanity.
It’s hard to believe things will get better when so many people adopt the mindset of “Well, it doesn’t affect me,” or “I don’t have time to think about that.” The anger and disgust those attitudes can provoke are all-consuming. Makes we want to cast spells on bad people, but that sh*t can be draining.
The upside to witnessing so much pain is that, over the past decade, I’ve learned not to let the sadness and horrors of humanity consume me or send me spiraling into an existential wormhole. One of the things that helps me through it—right alongside my beautiful daughter and husband—is music. I guess I chose the right career as a music journalist and the owner of this ole blog and media network [GRIMY GOODS] .
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: listening to music every day has been some of the best therapy I’ve ever known. And that’s exactly what Sinéad O’Connor’s rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” still does for me. It offers a much-needed emotional release while reminding me of one of the biggest hearts and most extraordinary voices in music. Her legacy wasn’t just her artistry; it was her humanity.
It’s nearly impossible, especially now, to watch this music video and not shed a tear.
